As I walked into the bustling Lebanese restaurant in Miami, the smell of warm spices and fresh bread filled my nostrils. I was excited to try the traditional Lebanese meat pies (sfeehas), that my boss had been raving about for weeks. As we sat down and ordered, I couldn’t help but notice the sizzling sounds coming from the kitchen and the flurry of activity from the chefs.
A young Lebanese waitress brought a plate of sfeehas to our table. The sfeehas arrived piping hot, with a crispy exterior and a savory filling of ground beef, onions, and pine nuts. The combination of the tender meat and the fragrant spices was a perfect balance of flavors, and I couldn’t resist ordering another round. Lebanese meat pies, or sfeehas, are a beloved dish in Lebanese culture and beyond. With a history that dates back centuries, these savory treats have become a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, and people all over the world enjoy them. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious newcomer, sfeehas are a must-try dish that will leave you wanting more.
They baked the sfeehas to perfection, achieving a crispy crust and a flavorful filling. They seasoned the meat with a blend of spices including cinnamon, allspice, and cloves, infusing it with a unique and delicious taste. I learned from the waitress that locals serve sfeehas as a snack or appetizer, but they can also be eaten as a main course. They often serve them with a side of yogurt or a salad.
What I loved most about the sfeehas was their versatility. You make them with beef, lamb, or even chicken, and you can season them to suit any taste. Whether you like your food spicy or mild, there is a sfeeha for you.
Overall, this Lebanese dish truly impressed me. The sfeehas were a perfect blend of flavors and textures, and they were a great introduction to Lebanese cuisine. I look forward to trying more Lebanese dishes in the future.
As I was enjoying my delicious Lebanese meat pies (sfeehas), suddenly, a large group of noisy children entered the restaurant. They were running around, screaming, and disrupting the peaceful atmosphere of the place. I could see the other diners were getting annoyed, and the staff was struggling to keep up with the chaos. I couldn’t help but feel frustrated by the situation. All I wanted was to enjoy my meal and have a relaxing time, but the noise was making it hard to concentrate. I tried to ignore the commotion and focus on my food, but it was challenging. The staff did their best to calm the children down and keep them under control, but it wasn’t easy. After a while, the children started to settle down, and the noise level decreased.
After trying and loving the sfeehas, I knew I had to try making them at home. So, after the commotion settled, I approached the chef and asked if he would be willing to share the recipe with me. To my delight, he agreed. He explained that the key to a great sfeeha is in the dough and the meat filling. He gave me some tips on how to make the dough perfectly soft and fluffy, and how to season the meat filling just right.
So, Here are the ingredients for this wonderful dish: for the dough use flour, warm water, sugar, instant yeast, salt, and olive oil. And for the meat Filling use olive oil, onions, ground beef, tomatoes, parsley, salt, 7 spice, sumac, and cinnamon.
With these simple ingredients and the right technique, you too can make delicious Lebanese meat pies at home.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving sfeehas, there are many options to choose from. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:
1. Pair with a Salad
I love to serve sfeehas with a fresh salad on the side. A simple Lebanese salad of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley with a lemon and olive oil dressing is the perfect complement to the savory meat pies. The salad adds a refreshing crunch and balances out the richness of the sfeehas.
2. Dip in Yogurt Sauce
Another great way to enjoy sfeehas is to dip them in a yogurt sauce. Mix plain yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt to make the sauce. The tangy and creamy sauce goes perfectly with the spiced meat filling of the sfeehas.
3. Serve with Pickles
Pickles are a staple in Lebanese cuisine and make a great accompaniment to sfeehas. The sour and salty flavors of the pickles contrast with the savory meat filling, creating a delicious balance of flavors.
4. Make a Meal
You can also serve sfeehas as a main course. Pair them with a side of rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple lentil soup for a complete and satisfying meal.
No matter how you choose to serve them, sfeehas are a delicious and versatile dish and you can enjoy them in many different ways.
Ingredients
To make delicious Lebanese meat pies (sfeehas), you’ll need the following ingredients:
Dough
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups of warm water
- 2 tsp of granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp of instant yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tsp of salt
- ¼ cup of olive oil
Meat Filling
- 2 tbsps of olive oil
- 1 diced medium onion
- 1 pound of ground beef with 95% lean content.
- 3 Roma tomatoes, prepared by removing the seeds and chopping them.
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- 1 tsp of salt
- 2 tsp of 7 Spice
- 2 tsp of sumac
- ½ tsp of cinnamon
How to Make Lebanese Meat Pies (Sfeehas)?
- To make the dough, I combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Then, I add flour and salt and mix everything until well combined. Next, I transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it until it becomes sticky. After that, I add olive oil and continue kneading until the dough becomes soft and smooth without leaving any dough on my fingers.
- I then transfer the dough to a lightly greased tray and allow it to proof until it doubles in size, which usually takes about 90 minutes. Once it has doubled in size, I remove the dough and divide it into 30 pieces, reshaping them into round balls. I let them sit in an oiled tray until they double in size again, which usually takes about 30 minutes.
- To make the stuffing, I heat olive oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat and cook onions until they become soft and translucent, which takes around 10 minutes. Then, I add beef and cook it until it becomes brown, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Next, I fold in tomatoes and parsley and season everything with salt, 7 Spice, sumac, and cinnamon.
- To assemble and cook the meat pies, I preheat the oven to 425ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. I roll out the dough into 4-5 inch circles and place 2 tablespoons of the mixture inside each circle. Then, I hold two ends of the dough and seal them together over the filling, pinching the dough together to help bind. Finally, I fold the last side up to meet the first two sides, pinching the dough together with the first two sides to bind.
- I bake the meat pies for 15-20 minutes until the tops are golden brown. Once they are ready, I serve them warm on their own or with plain whole-milk yogurt as a dip.
Variations of Lebanese Meat Pies
While the basic recipe is the same, there are many variations of sfeehas that you can try. When it comes to sfeehas, there are two main types: open-faced and closed. Open-faced sfeehas are made with a single layer of dough and are topped with the meat mixture. Closed sfeehas, on the other hand, are made with two layers of dough, with the meat mixture sandwiched in between.
Here are some other variations of sfeehas that you can try:
- Cheese sfeehas: These sfeehas are made with a mixture of ground beef and cheese, giving them a deliciously creamy texture.
- Spinach sfeehas: Spinach sfeehas are a great vegetarian option. They are made with a mixture of spinach, onions, and spices, and are just as delicious as their meat-filled counterparts.
- Za’atar sfeehas: Za’atar is a popular Middle Eastern spice blend made from thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds. Za’atar sfeehas are made with a mixture of za’atar and olive oil, giving them a unique and delicious flavor.
- Lamb sfeehas: While beef is the most common meat used in sfeehas, lamb is also a popular option. Lamb sfeehas are made with ground lamb, onions, and spices, and have a slightly different flavor than beef sfeehas.
No matter which variation you choose, sfeehas are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. So why not try making your sfeehas today?
Conclusion
In conclusion, I believe that Lebanese meat pies (sfeehas), are a delicious and satisfying food that everyone should try. They are a perfect combination of savory meat, fragrant spices, and tender dough.
One of the things I love about sfeehas is their versatility. They can be eaten as a snack, a meal, or even as a breakfast food. They are also easy to transport, making them a great option for on-the-go eating.
Another great thing about sfeehas is their cultural significance. They are a beloved food in Lebanon and are often served at family gatherings and special occasions. Making and sharing sfeehas is a way to connect with Lebanese culture and history.
Overall, I highly recommend trying sfeehas if you haven’t already. They are tasty and unique food that is sure to please. Whether you are a meat lover or just looking for something new to try, sfeehas are a great choice.
